IBM starts shipping latest mainframe computers

@ 2005/09/18

IBM, the world's biggest computer company, said it began shipping the latest version of its mainframe computer Friday, helping drive up revenue as customers switch to the new device.

System z9, the ninth generation of IBM's modern z-series mainframe, has more than twice the capabilities of its predecessor, IBM said in a statement. The refrigerator-sized computers, used by some of the world's largest companies and governments, promise added security for medical and financial information and other sensitive data.

The computer can handle 1 billion transactions per day. Fully configured versions have 54 chips and 18 billion transistors. Prices start at around $1 million apiece.